PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge Elorza today joined the Providence Parks and Recreation Department to host the 4th Annual Angel Tree Christmas Program. This year, approximately $9,000 dollars was raised to get gifts for more than 150 children from across the city.

“It is always great to see the children’s eyes light up when they receive a gift,” said Mayor Elorza. “I would like to thank all of the donors for helping give families a Christmas they will never forget and I wish everyone a wonderful holiday season.”

The children were chosen from all recreation centers and neighborhood groups across Providence based on good behavior and family needs. The gifts included Nike shoes or sweat suits. In addition to the gifts, a turkey was given to each family.

The Angel Tree Christmas program started when Recreation Director Michael Stephens and his staff reached out to many fellow basketball official friends around the country to see if they were interested in helping a child from Providence with a gift at Christmas. Each year the program has gained additional pledges and gifts.